What initial assessment step should a nurse perform for a client reporting increased pain after therapy?

In a scenario where a client reports increased pain after therapy, the first step in the assessment process should involve inquiring about the nature of the pain. Understanding the characteristics of the pain—such as whether it's sharp, dull, throbbing, or aching—provides crucial insights into potential underlying causes and helps guide further assessment and intervention.

Assessing the nature of the pain is essential because it allows the nurse to gather pertinent information about the pain's onset, duration, and any associated factors. This comprehensive understanding can help differentiate between usual post-therapeutic discomfort and signs of complications or other health issues that may require immediate attention.

While gathering intensity ratings or documenting prior history are important aspects of pain assessment, they follow after establishing the nature of the pain. Checking vital signs offers valuable information regarding the client's overall condition but does not directly address the specifics of the pain being reported. Thus, focusing on the nature of the pain first lays the foundation for effective communication and clinical decision-making.